Our Story
Books are for reading.
Founder & Curator
Meet Ariel Hakim
Ariel started Banned Books Box in late 2021 after learning about drag queen story times being canceled, the massive number of books being kept from inmates in U.S. prisons, and the growing trend to remove books from school shelves without regard for established policies.
She's currently working to earn a master's degree in library and information science, and some of her past roles have been: library reference associate, newspaper reporter, case manager in a men's homeless shelter, church secretary, and movie theatre janitor. Ariel lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.
Get in touch
ariel@bannedbooksbox.comOur Mission
To celebrate the power of stories that make readers feel seen and understood, expand worldviews, and nurture empathy—by sharing banned books, amplifying marginalized voices, and inspiring both bold and quiet advocacy.
Why We Started
Book banning is on the rise
Since 2021, we've seen an unprecedented surge in book challenges and removals from libraries, schools, and other institutions across the United States. Book ban attempts are continuing to rise.
Voices are being silenced
Books by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals are being disproportionally targeted. Valuable stories are being suppressed and labeled "inappropriate."
Stories are powerful
We created Banned Books Box because we believe these books deserve a place on the shelf and that reading your story reflected in a book can have a marvelous, even life-saving, impact.